Why more people should be helped to recover in their own home

How many times have you seen the headline that more than 20,000 patients could not be discharged from hospital last week despite being fit to leave because there was no care available?

More people should be able to recover from their hospital stay at home, with the help of reablement services such as home care and outpatient support. What should quality care at home support look like?

How does it work?

It is always better for patients to receive care at home because it is less disruptive, reduces healthcare costs and means fewer people are trapped onwards – which could leave them with an increased recovery time.

People who are fit for discharge but need help with care at home, can be referred to social services if they live in England or Scotland, or direct services such as adult social care if they live elsewhere.

Under local agreements known as reablement frameworks, NHS trusts work with councils and other partners to plan which cases need the most help.

But new figures show nearly two-thirds of hospitals are unable to transfer all eligible patients – which equates to almost 23,000 per week across England alone.

In some cases, patients will have no care available once they leave hospital because they haven’t been supplied with adequate information to organise home care services.

Brook Meadows – a new care service in Southend – is ensuring people recovering from a life-changing injury or ill-health have everything they need to recover outside of hospital. Whether this is care at home via Meadows Home Care or respite within Brook Meadows House care home; many people are now able to transition back to life beyond the hospital.

How does it compare with other types of care?

Patients who have had an operation or need rehabilitation have traditionally been treated in hospital.

However, evidence suggests that by providing support in people’s homes they get quicker, better and more personal care.

For example, those discharged from acute hospitals would receive personalised help – known as ‘reablement’ – which means they are able to live independently for longer and return to work sooner. Meanwhile, NHS organisations could also save money by managing outpatient appointments closer to home, instead of sending patients back to hospitals to avoid unnecessary admissions.

Some research suggests that inpatient care isn’t always needed. Some patients can be better treated as day cases or by being cared for at home. While they are there, they are being looked after by healthcare staff with close access to professionals and specialist equipment.

The risks of a poor outcome can also be reduced when compared with managing care away from hospitals, such as re-admissions and emergency calls onwards, which can delay discharge times.

How do I know if I need assistance at home?

If you need help recovering from an illness or injury, home assistance may just be the ideal solution for you – if you’re wanting to remain in your own home and begin to build back your independence.

Meadows Home Care can carry out a detailed assessment of your abilities, how much assistance you need with daily activities, and how many hours of care are needed on an ongoing basis. When all factors have been taken into account, the team will determine what the appropriate level of care is for your personal requirements.

The specialist team can even work with you before you are discharged from hospital, to prepare your home beforehand. Unlike reablement services organised by the hospital; assistance from Meadows Home Care can continue for as long as you require – sometimes the 4-6 week period set out by social services just isn’t long enough.

What are the advantages for me and my family?

People recovering at home are more likely to have better outcomes overall. They are also able to maintain relationships with family and friends, including pets, meaning they have social support.

This is important for general wellbeing.

For people living alone, it means they can remain independent, giving them peace of mind that they won’t fall into loneliness and depression during their recovery. Being at home also allows you to help monitor your progress – there’s nothing quite like looking in on yourself when you get up each morning!

When it comes time for discharge from hospital, why not give yourself every chance of getting back on your feet sooner?

For families who may live apart, it also takes the pressure or additional worries away – your loved ones can be cared for, without uprooting your commitments to work or your young family. Likewise for families who do live together; Meadows Home Care provide support so you can continue to live like a family – without having to become full-time carers as well.

Where can I get further information?

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) provides further information on all types of care, including community-based services. Click here for its site.

The Mental Health Foundation has also published online guidance for patients and families about finding support, accommodation and treatment during recovery periods or for longer support. Click here for its site.

Home Care can support anyone who needs help to stay happy and independent in their own home. We support people living in their own homes, from just a few hours to 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year.

If you’re interested in Meadows Home Care or Brook Meadows House, we would love to meet you and explore the type of care which best suits your situation. We’ll discuss what it is that you want and need – and what it is going to take to fulfil those desires.

It’s hard to know when you need someone to take care of you or just come over and talk with you. Let’s get acquainted and find out what type of experience would suit your preferences best.

click here for more details or to contact Meadows Home Care